Alternative Construction: Contemporary Natural Building Methods

by Lynne Elizabeth (editor), Cassandra Adams (Editor)

The first comprehensive guide to combining traditional natural materials and modern construction methods.
From adobe to straw bales, traditional building materials are being adapted to meet code-required standards for health and safety in contemporary buildings around the world. Not only are they cost effective and environmentally friendly, but, when used correctly, these natural alternatives match the strength and durability of many mainstream construction materials.
This book examines a broad range of traditional and modern natural construction methods, including straw-bale, light-clay, cob, adobe, rammed earth and pise, earthbag, earth-sheltered, bamboo, and hybrid systems. It also covers key ecological design principles, as well as current engineering and building code requirements.
Experts on each building system have contributed core chapters that explore the history, development, climatic appropriateness, environmental benefits, performance characteristics, construction techniques, and structural design principles for each method. More than 200 visuals depict both construction processes and completed structures. An extensive resource guide shows where to go for further information, training, and research.
In an increasingly resource-conscious era, alternative construction is truly an idea whose time has come. Whether you're an architect, designer, student, or homeowner, this book will help you to combine indigenous building materials with modern construction systems and design standards to create low-impact, high-quality buildings that meet the highest levels of comfort, health, and safety.

Genres: Construction

416 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2000

Reviews

[Micebyliz]

Maybe it's me (oh never) but i sense a bit of patronization in this book, not for the techniques, but for the whole family does the work and everyone helps thing. It's kind of hard to miss. If everyone works in another place, say California, then it's called environmental awareness? or maybe i am completely off. I do think the methods are interesting to read about and consider. The only thing i never see in any of the earth building books is the idea that you are using up earth. how much earth can we afford to use up that could be used for agriculture? you can't replace earth. just a question.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great overview book of building methods. They opted for breadth vs depth and it's a well done and consistent coverage of many natural methods. And amazing eye candy. And research needs. And the last 1/3 is actual building developments for those methods. We may have decided on cob, but if we have any questions or find that we aren't quite settled, this may be a future purchase.

[Diva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant compilation of informative essays by make practitioners. covering every type of earth building techniques in great depth and detail. gives insight in the psychological as well as economical and ecological benefits of it. highly recommended work for anyone interested in this field of building sciences. love it.